Down memory lane, June 8 2018

Want to read more?

We value our content and access to our full site is only available on subscription. Your subscription entitles you to 7-day-a-week access to our website, plus a full digital copy of that week’s paper to read on your pc/mac or mobile device In addition your subscription includes access to digital archive copies from 2006 onwards

Prince Philip is partial to kippers and when he visited Campbeltown, in 1971, Rear Admiral Robin Mayo (retd) served him the smoked delicacy for breakfast at Bellgrove, High Askomil.

Former sea cadet, Ivor Watson, recalled the occasion, on November 2, 46 years ago, when The Duke of Edinburgh was greeted by the guard from the Campbeltown Sea Cadet Unit.

Mr Watson said that a naval gunnery instructor was sent down from Faslane ahead of the visit to polish up the guard’s drill routine.

David Mayo, also a former naval officer, told the Courier, the duke had been to sea on the nuclear submarine HMS Churchill before landing in Campbeltown.

David’s father Robin, born in Charminster, Dorset, passed away aged 98 on July 6 2007 as the oldest admiral.

He failed to get into Dartmouth Naval College, and spent his first 12 years at sea with the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company before joining the navy’s anti-submarine unit in 1938.

In a packed naval career Mayo served round the world. Perhaps his most diplomatic engagement, was, in 1961 in Malta as captain of HMS St Angelo.

The dockyard, in the Grand Harbour at Valletta, was handed over to private ownership, which led to Mayo being stoned by protesters. His diplomacy saved the day.

In retirement, Mayo alternated his time between his house, with a large garden, in the Wiltshire market town, Marlborough and Campbeltown.

In Marlborough he won prizes for his flowers, vegetables and shrubs.

Watched by Rear Admiral Mayo in civvies who was the honorary president of the sea cadets unit, Prince Philip takes the salute at Campbeltown Sea Cadets. The cadets are from left: William Craig, Graham Anderson, Roy McLellan, Brian Dewar, Ivor Watson, Stuart Anderson and behind the unit commander Jones. 25_c22memorylane01_Prince_Philip